Systematic investigation of gengetically determined plasma and urinary biomarkers to identify potential detection and intervention targets for vascular calcification

Vascular calcification is a common condition in patients with atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Researchers investigated the relationship between biomarkers in blood and urine and vascular calcification using Mendelian randomization in a sample of 363,228 people for biomarkers and 28,654 people for vascular calcification. The analysis identified 7 plasma biomarkers associated with vascular calcification, of which 5 were positively correlated. A literature review revealed 856 risk factors, of which 28 were identified as relevant. Five biomarkers (TRIG, GGT, CA, BILD, SHBG) partially mediated the effects of four modifiable risk factors on vascular calcification. The results suggest that modifying these biomarkers through lifestyle changes, such as controlling smoking, milk intake, blood pressure, and diabetes, may slow the progression of vascular calcification.